Make Sierra Leone Famous

Salone man get badat (Sierra Leoneans are envious) is not just a national catchphrase, its a widely held Sierra Leonean belief. The expression "Salone man get badat" has been used in presidential speeches and popular culture. President Kabbah once said it in a now-famous speech. Emmerson Bockarie, a Sierra Leonean Afropop singer, made a song about it. Badat is on everyone's lips, it's on their minds, and it is the root of all evil. Make Sierra Leone Famous explores the root of this self-deprecating national catchphrase and negative belief through a spiritual and mental health lens. If Sierra Leoneans are envious, how can they unlearn or control it? Special Guests: Dr. Ramadan Jalloh and Jesse Lamboi

In Sierra Leone, just two out of every ten women is uncircumcised. These women, the minority are labelled "gborka" and deemed "unclean" or "not woman enough". Make Sierra Leone Famous places the sex lives of uncut women in focus to discuss the power of pleasure, women's liberation, and orgasm equality. Special Guests: Umu Jalloh, MSW, and Leanne MaHota Rizk, MPH (Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist).

Drug addiction and mental health in Sierra Leone in focus on episode one to an all-new season of the Make Sierra Leone Famous Podcast! Vickie Remoe interviews with Mahawa Sandy, founder of Nyali Foundation and Dr. Elizabeth Alieu resident psychiatrist in charge of the child and adolescent mental health at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital. Sierra Leone's youth are struggling with drug addiction and dependency. Vickie and guests discuss the root causes and and solutions for tackling the drug crisis.

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with two of Sierra Leone's most celebrated storytellers; award-winning playwright and founder of Freetong Players Charlie Haffner, and Emmy, BAFTA, and Peabody-winning journalist Sorious Samura. Show Notes Listen to Doniie Major's Freetown City: https://bit.ly/3PaVtHB Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with actress, producer, and founder of Lema's Diary Production Company. The film producer uses her craft to make social commentary about issues affecting Sierra Leone's women. Her latest film “Profit Point” set in the slums of Freetown is about the struggles of women trapped by poverty and sexual exploitation. Profit Point had its London Premiere at the Young Sierra Leonean Kip Kompin Cinema. Show Notes Listen to Kaley Bag's Di Sai Wae Ar Komot: https://spoti.fi/3oL72KW Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Sierra Leonean poet, playwright, and author Oumar Farouk Sesay, Oumar talks and shares insights from his four-decade-long career as a writer and creative. His latest play “The Throne” challenges audiences to question their beliefs on identity, homosexuality, and tradition. Show Notes Listen to Daddy Saj's Che Che: https://bit.ly/3Bc2xQY Follow the Mane Chronicles: https://bit.ly/3Rq6AyV Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Tarah Majeek, Entrepreneur and founder of self-care and wellness brand “Mane Chronicles''. They discuss branding, startups, and tips to transform a hobby into an enterprise. Show Notes Listen to TMA's No Sense: https://spoti.fi/3c94S4t Follow the Mane Chronicles: https://bit.ly/3Rq6AyV Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Alhaji Siraj Bah, a multiple award-winning green entrepreneur who makes cooking briquettes out of coconuts. Siraj shares his journey from homelessness in Freetown to becoming one of Sierra Leone's most successful young founders and job creators. Show Notes Listen to Drizilik's Di Mammi Ihn Moni Fo Comot: https://bit.ly/3NLiPCU j Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Namina Forna author of the New York Times bestsellers “The Gilded Ones” and the “Merciless Ones”. They discuss representation in fantasy books, girls' rites of passage, books as escapism, and growing up in Sierra Leone. Show Notes Listen to Zainab Sheriff's Mammie Na Power: https://bit.ly/2Z6Vyrj To buy Namina Forna's Book: https://naminaforna.com/ Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Screenwriter and Director Mohamed 'Spartar' Lansana. Mohamed talks about the growth of Sierra Leonean films, the importance of passing legislation to protect and support the industry, and emerging producers and filmmakers from Sierra Leone everyone should know. Show Notes Listen to Famous's Brighter Future: https://bit.ly/39upgMH Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Renata Kamara, chef, musician, and author. Renata talks about taking Sierra Leonean food to the world stage, and the power of social media content in getting customers and she shares Sierra Leone-inspired vegan and Afro-fusion recipes. Show Notes Listen to Mattodo's Fearless: https://spoti.fi/3mpu8p3 Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Hawa Jane, Lawyer, Artist, and founder of The Barray Arts Collective. Hawa talks about founding a community for artists in Freetown, opportunities for African art with NFTs, and emerging artists from Sierra Leone that everyone should know. Show Notes Listen to Bai Kamara Jr Lady Boss: https://spoti.fi/3NMrd5s Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Abu Yillah, poet, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Sierra Leone Arts and Culture Festival (SLACFEST). Abu uses poetry, film, and social media to build community and hold space for Sierra Leoneans in the UK both with online and in-person events. Show Notes Listen to Emmerson's Borbor Pain: https://spoti.fi/3LRlz0Q Watch Run “Short Film”: https://bit.ly/38jfH2E Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Haja Myers, founder of Estu's Delight. Her wellness brand makes fresh smoothies, organic honey, and fonio. Haja talks about her entrepreneurial journey, branding, and overcoming supply chain challenges with local farmers. She also shares tips and resources for navigating Sierra Leone's agribusiness ecosystem. Show Notes Listen to Drizilik's Popular: https://bit.ly/3sDb0re Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with award winning Sierra Leonean hip hop and afrobeats artist Drizilik, also known as Benjamin M. George. Drizilik shares how he convinced his conservative Krio family to accept his career, language as a tool for authenticity and plans for his upcoming album Ashobi. Show Notes Listen to Drizilik's Popular Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Makeda Cole, co-founder of the Sierra Leone Arts and Culture Festival. The British Sierra Leonean curator shares how she came to embrace her Sierra Leonean identity and how she created a platform to connect Sierra Leoneans in the UK through arts, and culture. Show Notes Listen to Kaygee ADN Royalty: https://spoti.fi/3LO74M4 Watch the last edition of SLACFest: Beyond Borders; https://bit.ly/39nLcbN Follow Makeda L. Cole on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3FdwC2H Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu: https://bit.ly/3OV57PF Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique: https://bit.ly/3LJOEvH To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe continues the conversation with Usifu Jalloh; the Sierra Leonean storyteller who took a quarter-century to accept his gifts. In the second half of this conversation, the topic is cultural reclamation for national development. How can culture help Sierra Leoneans solve local problems? Show Notes Watch Usifu Jalloh's The Tortoise and the Princess: https://bit.ly/36SdtGK Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Host Vickie Remoe is in conversation with Sierra Leone's master storyteller and award-winning educator Usifu Jalloh. Usifu rejected storytelling as his life's calling for 25 years until a turning point brought him self-acceptance. He spent decades afraid to accept cultural creativity as his profession because his post-colonial education indoctrination told him there all things African had little value. Show Notes Watch Usifu Jalloh's full performance at the Jazz Cafe in London: https://bit.ly/3vLM4hZ Ship to Sierra Leone from the USA with Dot Bleu Find your next outfit at The Doll House Boutique To make Sierra Leone better for women and girls in Salone better support the Asmaa James Foundation https://bit.ly/3ybDLz5

Bunce Island is Sierra Leone's World Heritage site that served as a major slave trading post for 300 years. Today it's restored ruins hold the story of Sierra Leone-American cultural heritage and connection. Join this conversation with Isatu Smith, former head of Sierra Leone's Monument & Relics Commission as she shares the fascinating history of Bunce Island and the preservationists working to restore it. Show Notes For More on Sierra Leone and Slavery Check out The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University https://bit.ly/2Ue5ZXL. About Bunce Island Bunce is a 1600 feet uninhabitted island lying approximately 20 miles up the Sierra Leone River from Freetown, the Capital city of Sierra Leone. Bunce Island was established as a slave trading station in 1670. From 1670 to 1728 two companies- the Gambia Adventurers and the Royal African Company of England ran Bunce Island one after the other.  Bunce Island's prosperity ran from 1744 to 1807 during private management by a consortium of London firms. At their slave trading heights British traders shipped tens of thousands of African slaves to the Americas from this place. The trading fort was subjected to attacks a number of times by other Europeans. Slave trading ceased on the island with the abolition of slace trade in 1808. It was however in the 1840 that the Bunce Island fort was finally abandoned. Bunce Island was declared a National Monument in 1948. (Read More) https://bit.ly/3xvvB0E Bunce Island - World Monuments Fund (https://bit.ly/2Sc2roh)   The Language You Cry In (1998, Film) https://bit.ly/3cQ77Hp Joseph Opala in His Own Words (https://bit.ly/3xyMjw9) The Gullah: Rice, Slavery, and the Sierra Leone-American Connection by Joseph Opala (https://amzn.to/2S9Isqe) For more information on Colin Powell: https://n.pr/3wGaEQx To listen to 'Beautiful' by Jimmy B: https://bit.ly/3xxC9f9  

Join me for Part II of a conversation with one of my favorite writers and cultural historians, Ade Daramy. We’re talking about Ade’s life and work, building community for and with Sierra Leoneans in the UK diaspora. I first talked to Ade on our October 29th episode about April 27 1961, and the early years after Independence when under the leadership of Sir Milton Margai, Sierra Leoneans believed excellence and greatness was within reach. This time we talk about corruption and state decay in the 80s , and their impact on a generation who had dreamt of returning home from the diaspora. We also talk about Ade’s life as a British civil servant and the things he learned being within earshot of retired British colonial officers on how they stole diamonds from Sierra Leone. We talk about neocolonialism and Sierra Leone’s continued courtship with foreign powers that exert influence over the nation’s leaders. We talk about the war years, identity national pride, and what makes us optimistic about the future of Sierra Leone To listen to 'Sweet Salone' by Lady Felicia: https://bit.ly/3gD6l3l For more information on the work Ade Daramy does:https://bit.ly/3azWqYy

In conversation with Akindele Decker co-author of "20 Icons of Sierra Leone Who Shaped History". Vickie kicks off this conversation with  Akindele’s home leaving story and quest to maintain a Sierra Leonean identity in the diaspora.  They duo also share their experiences tracing their families’ genealogy from West Africa to the New World, and immortalizing Sierra Leoneans in books to remind younger generations of their heritage. Get the book 20 Icons of Sierra Leoneans Who Shaped History by Akindele Decker & Adrian Labor: https://amzn.to/38GRaRY To listen to 'Sweet Africa' by M2: https://bit.ly/38G87Ms

In conversation with Hindolo Pokawa founder of Sierra Leone Foundation for New Democracy as he prepares to walk 315 miles from Kailahun to Freetown in solidarity with victims of sexual violence. Hindolo shares his childhood memories growing up in a house with defined gender roles, domestic violence, and toxic masculinity. We discuss the burden of womanhood in Sierra Leone, lost indigenous values that once revered women, and how men can unlearn toxic masculinity. For the Sierra Leonean man ready to accept that their father and male relations normalized violence and force against women this Make Sierra Leone Famous Podcast episode is a good place to start. To listen to "Siahuna Maraidee" by Amie Kallon: https://bit.ly/3pyPu2S For more on Sierra Leone Foundation for New Democracy: http://bit.ly/3pLEW0F  

In conversation Joseph Ben-Kaifala founder of the Center for Memory and Reparations Sierra Leone. Remoe and Kaifala explore the origins of the war, the way people forget and remember, and the lessons from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission that Sierra Leone has yet to put into practice to consolidate peace and national healing. Kaifala’s survivor story starts when as a boy, he and his father are imprisoned for being on the wrong side of Liberia’s and Sierra Leone’s wars. For more on Center for Memory and Reparations Sierra Leone: https://bit.ly/2LDBuGF To listen to 'We Lek We Salone' by Collins Pratt: https://bit.ly/3naK5yg For more on Collins Pratt: https://bit.ly/3n4PDKM  

In conversation with Journalist, and Historian Ade Daramy we discuss his life’s work documenting Sierra Leone’s history and excellence from Pre-Independence to Post. Born five years before Sierra Leone gained Independence, Daramy shares his childhood memories going back to a time when Sierra Leoneans believed they could do anything under the leadership of the First Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai. It was Sir Milton who one day asked his cabinet why there were no stamps that one did not have to lick with that the country would invent the first self-adhesive stamp before the US and the UK. From a place of innovation and possibility (a Wakanda) in the 60s, Daramy takes us through his personal experience of the first coup d’etat, the troubling signs that led up to Siaka Stevens tightened grip on power and the making of Sierra Leone into a one-party state. Note: This is a Part 1 of a two-part conversation about with Ade Daramy To listen 'Di World Don Lef Na Wi Han' by The Kabba Brothers: https://bit.ly/3owHjo2 For more on Sierra Leone's self-adhesive stamp: https://bit.ly/2HI5mzF For more on Sir Milton Margai: https://bit.ly/3ejDsGt

Fambul Tok for Girls - A special Make Sierra Leone Famous community radio program in partnership with Save The Children to mark International Day of the Girl 2020 in Sierra Leone. The average pass rate for National Primary School Exams in the Southern Province is 65% but in Save The Children's Accelerated Education Program in Pujehun 91% of students pass. In this community radio program in Pujehun, Vickie Remoe is in conversatin with the parents of the three girls who scored highest in NPSE 2020 in Gbundapi. If parents in at the last mile in Gbundapi, can prepare girls for excellence in education so can we! Wi g3t fo luk to wi s3f fo mek wi go ebul safkip wi gyal Pikin d3m. Safkip Gal Pikin fo Tumara en Salone im B3t3 wan. Host: Vickie Remoe, Girl Ambassador, Save The Children Sierra Leone

Vickie Remoe travels to the village of Magbele--her maternal homeland-- for a conversation with Bai Suba Bolt III, a chief from the Kabia ruling family of Lower Marampa in Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone. Listen for stories that explore how Port Loko got its name, the beliefs and secret societies of old that continue to this day, and how families in line for the chief's throne wait for their turn to rule.

Inside Freetown's Oldest Church built by Jamaican Maroons travel back in history as we explore slavery, freedom, and architecture from 1808 to present day Sierra Leone. In conversation with Aron Strong of St. John's Maroon Church we discuss religion, identity of the Early Settlers, and cultural preservation. For more information on St. John's Maroon Church: https://bit.ly/3fmoApy To listen to Doniie Major's "Freetown City" : https://bit.ly/2BWQ2MS  

In conversation with Mrs. Daphne Barlatt Pratt we explore the orginations of the Krio language, its influence on the identity of Krios, and its growth as the primary spoken language in Sierra Leone. Mrs. Pratt is a poet, and a Krio language teacher. She is the founding principal of Limount College, which was established in 1996 after she left the International School. For More Writings & Poetry from Mrs Pratt 1. Krio Salad By Daphne Barlatt Pratt: https://amzn.to/3hr6zrD 2. Soso Parebul By Daphne Barlatt Pratt: https://amzn.to/3hlVgRj For Ajuba & The Sounds of Dr. Oloh: https://bit.ly/2CQXx8m For More From Vickie Remoe: www.vickieremoe.com/bio Make Sierra Leone Famous Production Notes: Host: Vickie Remoe Producer: Frankvin Bob McEwen

In conversation with Mohamed Lumeh, Gola Historian & Conservationist at Sierra Leone's last remaining site with primary forest in Kenema District. We visit the ancient Gola Gravesite to learn about the legend of King Fombo who chose freedom over submission during the 16th Century Mane Invasion, and discuss the mysticism of Mende Warriors. We also explore the rich flora, fauna, and ecotourism at the Gola Rainforest National Park. References For more information about the Gola Rainforest: https://golarainforest.org/ For more on the music and life of Salia Koroma: https://bit.ly/2CvMxNx For more on offsetting carbon emission with the Gola REDD Project: https://bit.ly/3gVlpWY For a more accurate and detailed review of the History of the Manes Invasion to Sierra Leone please see: Rodney, Walter. "A Reconsideration of the Mane Invasions of Sierra Leone." The Journal of African History 8, no. 2 (1967): 219-46. Accessed July 14, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/179481. The Manes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mane_people

In conversation with Medo Kuyateh and Alpha Kandeh, Yeliba Praise Singers from the Court of  King Alie Balansama Marah III of Koinadugu District, Northern Province. We discuss Sierra Leone’s Yeliba Culture, Oral History, the mythical origin of the Balangi. Yeliba singers keep the history of kings also known as paramount chiefs through song and spoken word; from one generation to the next.